#NollywoodReviews #ExtraLargeMovie #ClintonJoshua #BodyPositivityInFilm
Rating: ............... (2/5 Stars)
Who Should Watch This? Anyone who has ever felt "not enough" for a partner, fans of Clinton Joshua’s soft-boy charm, and viewers who enjoy romantic dramas that prioritize emotional intelligence over tired tropes.
Introduction: A New Era of Vulnerability
Nollywood has spent decades obsessed with a very specific aesthetic of "perfection." From the "glamour girl" era of the 90s to the modern era of snatched waists and high-definition baddie culture, the industry has often pushed plus-sized characters into the roles of the funny sidekick or the miserable villain. However, Extra Large, the latest release from One And Two Films TV, attempts to dismantle this.
Starring the industry’s current "Golden Boy" Clinton Joshua alongside the incredibly emotive Mercy Modom, this film isn't just another romance; it’s a mirror held up to the toxic beauty standards of Lagos dating culture. As a veteran of this industry, I’ve seen many attempts at "social message" films, but Extra Large manages to feel like a personal confession rather than a lecture.
1. Narrative Structure: Beyond the "Breakfast" Trope
The film opens with a sequence that feels all too familiar to the Nigerian Gen-Z and Millennial audience—the "Date from Hell." We are immediately introduced to Favor (Mercy Modom), a woman whose love language is clearly "Acts of Service" and "Giving," paired with Dosey, a man who views her as a temporary pitstop.
The pacing of the first act is deliberate. It establishes the emotional labor Favor pours into her relationships. The "hook" isn't a flashy car chase or a supernatural twist; it’s the relatable sting of being ignored on your birthday. When Dosey eventually drops the mask and hurls the "fat and unattractive" insult at her, it isn't just a plot point—it’s a visceral gut punch that sets the stage for Favor’s journey of self-reclamation. The transition from her heartbreak to her meeting Yomi (Clinton Joshua) is handled with a "National Breakfast Day" humor that keeps the movie from sinking into pure melodrama.
2. Cinematography: Framing the "Extra Large" Identity
Visually, Extra Large moves away from the flat, bright lighting typical of YouTube-first Nollywood productions. The director uses cinematography to emphasize Favor’s isolation and her presence.
In the scenes where Favor is at home, the framing is tight, reflecting her "shrinking" personality—how she tries to take up less space emotionally. In contrast, the outdoor "date" scenes utilize wide shots that ironically make her feel more exposed to the judgment of the world. The color grading leans toward warm, earthy tones, which complements Mercy Modom’s skin tone and creates an intimate, "home-movie" feel that works for a character-driven drama. However, there are moments during the night shoots where the lighting consistency fluctuates, a common Nollywood struggle, but it rarely detracts from the central performances.
3. Performance Analysis: The Chemistry of Contradiction
Mercy Modom (Favor): Modom is the soul of this film. She avoids the caricature of the "miserable fat girl." Instead, she portrays Favor with a quiet dignity. Her performance during the scene where Yomi introduces her as his "distant cousin" is a masterclass in silent heartbreak. You can see the light leave her eyes.
Clinton Joshua (Yomi): Joshua plays the "good guy with a flaw" exceptionally well. He has the "Fine Boy" look that makes his eventual betrayal feel even more disappointing to the audience. He isn't a villain in the traditional sense; he is a "weak-ass man," as Favor’s friend Rita rightly puts it. Joshua’s ability to look genuinely remorseful in the final act is what makes the resolution believable.
The Supporting Cast: Victoria Ojo-Chide as Rita provides the necessary "Bestie Energy" that every Nollywood drama needs. She serves as the voice of the audience, calling out the nonsense when the leads are too blinded by love to see it.
4. Sound Design & The "Extra Large" Anthem
One of the standout features of this film is its use of music. The "song by Shania Twain" moment and the original scores used during Favor’s montage of self-love are perfectly timed. In many Nollywood films, the background music is often too loud, drowning out dialogue, but Extra Large strikes a decent balance. The dialogue audibility is crisp, indicating a high level of post-production care. The lyrics of the closing song—"No more shrinking just to please... extra large love in an extra large heart"—provide the emotional payoff the audience craves after two hours of rooting for Favor.
5. Costume, Makeup, and Production Design: Dressing the Arc
The wardrobe choices in Extra Large are deeply symbolic. At the beginning of the film, Favor wears muted, oversized clothing—literally trying to hide. As she moves into her relationship with Yomi, she experiments with more color.
However, the real transformation is in the final act. When Favor goes on her "Solo Date," her outfit is bold, tailored, and unapologetic. The makeup design follows a similar trajectory; it’s not about "fixing" her face but enhancing her confidence. The production design of Yomi’s apartment vs. Favor’s space also subtly communicates their personalities—his is minimalist and a bit cold, while hers is full of warmth and the remnants of the "gifts" she so freely gives.
6. Plot Logic and Cultural Realism: The "Cousin" Scandal
The turning point—Yomi calling Favor his "distant cousin" to avoid embarrassment in front of his ex—is a move pulled straight from the Lagos "Yoruba Demon" playbook. While it feels extreme, it is a grounded reflection of how some men in status-obsessed circles treat partners who don't fit the "trophy" mold.
One minor gripe is the "Gym Scene." While it was meant to show Favor’s struggle with lifestyle changes, it veered slightly into slapstick territory with the "farting" joke. It felt a bit inconsistent with the otherwise serious tone of the movie's message on body image. However, the film redeems itself by showing that Favor’s ultimate goal isn't just "losing weight" to get the man back, but "choosing herself."
7. Thematic Depth: Social Commentary on the Nigerian Male Ego
Extra Large serves as a scathing critique of the Nigerian male ego. Both Dosey and Yomi fail Favor, not because she isn't "enough," but because they are governed by external validation. Dosey represents the overt abuser, while Yomi represents the "nice guy" whose kindness is conditional on his own comfort.
The film tackles "Pretty Privilege" head-on. It asks the audience: Why do we value a person's character based on their dress size? The spiritual element—Favor’s 15-minute prayer voice note for Yomi—is a classic Nollywood touch that highlights the "Long-suffering Nigerian Woman" trope, but the film subverts this by having her eventually walk away.
8. Scene Breakdown: The Confrontation
The most powerful scene in the film is Favor’s packing sequence. There are no shouting matches, no breaking of plates. It is just a woman who has realized her own value. When she asks Yomi, "Do you kiss your cousins? Do you sleep with your cousins?" it isn't just a question; it’s a reclamation of her dignity. This scene is where the writing shines, stripping away the fluff and getting to the raw pain of being an "unacknowledged" partner.
9. Pacing and Resolution: A Month of Silence
Nollywood often rushes the "healing" process, having characters move from heartbreak to a wedding in five minutes. Extra Large gives us a "one month later" breathing space. It allows the audience to see Favor thriving without a man before Yomi is allowed back into the frame. The resolution doesn't feel like she is "settling" for Yomi; it feels like she is allowing him back into a life she has already made beautiful on her own.
10. The Verdict: Is "Extra Large" a Must-Watch?
Despite some of the typical low-budget constraints (occasional lighting shifts and a slightly over-long middle act), Extra Large is a triumph for YouTube-distributed cinema. It tackles body shaming with more heart and nuance than many big-budget cinema releases.
It tells a story that is uniquely Nigerian but universally understood. It challenges the "Ashamed Boyfriend" syndrome and celebrates the woman who decides that her "Extra Large" heart is a gift, not a burden.
Conclusion: Final Thoughts from the Critic’s Desk
If you’re looking for a film that will make you shout at your screen, cry a little, and ultimately feel like you can conquer the world, Extra Large is it. It’s a testament to the growth of Nollywood’s storytelling—moving away from just "who poisoned who" to "how do we love ourselves?"
Clinton Joshua and Mercy Modom have undeniable chemistry, but the real love story here is between Favor and the woman in the mirror.
Call to Watch to Watch the Movie: Head over to One And Two Films TV on YouTube. Grab your popcorn, and maybe a tissue or two. This is one "breakfast" you’ll actually enjoy watching someone else eat.
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